New rider, first bike, 1982 KZ1100

650ed wrote:
Please add the exact model of your bike to your signature line. In 1982 Kawasaki made a KZ1100 - Shaft (KZ1100-A2); a KZ1100-GpZ-B2; and a KZ1100-D1 Spectre (also shaft drive). They don't all use the same tire sizes or other parts. Thanks, Ed

I'm still not 100% sure what model I have. It's so confusing with the models. I know it's not a GPZ or a Spectre though, as those side covers clearly illustrate that. Then there's an A1 model and an A2 model, and the list just goes into a tangled mess. Searching online just gives me an abundance of misinformation and conflicting information. However, I just noticed that on the back page of the manual I got has A1 only for 1981 and A2 only for 1982, so assuming the guy I bought it from had his year right, it's an A2.

Here's a link (see link below) to some info that may be helpful. It shows the 1982 KZ1100-A2 as having a VIN Range of JKAKZBA1vCA 006701 - 011100 and an engine serial number range of KZT10AE 006701 - 015800. Your VIN should be stamped in the steering stem neck and the engine number should be stamped near the oil filler cap. Ed

kawasaki.freewebspace.com/1100.html

650ed wrote: Here's a link (see link below) to some info that may be helpful. It shows the 1982 KZ1100-A2 as having a VIN Range of JKAKZBA1vCA 006701 - 011100 and an engine serial number range of KZT10AE 006701 - 015800. Your VIN should be stamped in the steering stem neck and the engine number should be stamped near the oil filler cap. Ed

kawasaki.freewebspace.com/1100.html

The only thing that is off is the small "v" in the VIN, mine has an 8, otherwise it's a match for the A2. I don't think I copied it down wrong, but I can't confirm it until after work. It's pretty hard mistaking a v for an 8.

I was going over my list of stuff I need to do to the bike concerning basic maintenance.

- Change oil & filter
- Change gear oil
- Change spark plugs (done)
- Change air filter (bought K&N filter, haven't recieved yet)
- Change brake fluid (I believe it's very very low & probably very old fluid)
- Check brake pads (how thick are they new? I don't know by looking at 'em if they're fine or not)

Is there anything else I should be looking for? I'm seeing a LOT of thread concerning carburetors, but they are intimidating for me to work on, and right now I'm not noticing any problems with them anyways, but if there's something to check lemme know.

Keep in mind that the K&N filter doe not filter out as fine a particle as the stock filter. Ed

650ed wrote: Keep in mind that the K&N filter doe not filter out as fine a particle as the stock filter. Ed

Well.... ....shit!

It makes sense, being a higher flow filter I'm not suprised by this fact at all. I have been considering changing the airflow away from the very dusty and dirty area under the seat and to the sides of the bike. I've been trying to clean it out under there but it is quite the chore cleaning the dust off without getting wires wet.

Good news is I got the center stand up. Needed help, but the thing works. Should make it easier to change the oil & filter.

Greatings from Grants Pass Oregon. 14 hours on the road. I've run K&N filters for 30 years with no problems. The dust is likely from sitting. High pressure air with a nossle will get rid of most of it. If the carbs aren't giving you problems, wait until they do. Having the air box is a good thing. While riding the frame is pressurized, thus feeding the engine more air. There are some that will argue with this but I abandoned my pods 20 years ago and I won't look back.
Steve

So like I said, anything else we can think of to do?

Ride it and find out.
Steve

A curiosity about the choke. Everytime I leave the choke too much open for too long, the rpms rise to 3,000 rpm until I close the choke a little and the rpms return to normal 1.5k. Is this normal? Why does this occur?

It's normal. It's variable so you get more fuel, not like your pilot and main system.
Steve

OK, found a possible other issue, that could potentially get me pulled over. When I have my lights on, either on brights or normal, I have no lights on in the back of the bike. Bulbs look OK (they actually look pretty new), and the brake light works and the flashers work, but when normal riding there are no lights on in the rear. Is this normal?

A side note that from the looks of it a previous owner backed into a wall or something, bending back the taillight assembly slightly and popping off a bit of paint near the base. I plan on fixing this.